Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa

Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Myrtaceae
Tribe:	Myrteae
Genus:	Rhodomyrtus
Binomial name
Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa Benth.[1]

Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa is a species of the botanical family Myrtaceae. It grows into a tree, native to north-east Australia, New Guinea and the Aru Islands,^[2] and is also known as Wannakai, Finger Cherry, or Cooktown Loquat.

In Australia, botanical sources describe it as occurring naturally from coastal central Queensland to the Wet Tropics, where it extends up to 800m above sea level, and through to Cape York Peninsula. It grows in complex wet rainforests, although it is more common in drier, more seasonal kinds, and in monsoon forests.^[2]

It is sometimes cultivated for its ornamental flowers and bright red fruit. However the fruit is poisonous, especially so to children,^[2] and has been known to cause permanent blindness.

References

1. "Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa Benth.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
2. Hyland, B. P. M.; Whiffin, T.; Zich, F. A.; et al. (Dec 2010). "Factsheet – Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa". Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants. Edition 6.1, online version [RFK 6.1]. Cairns, Australia: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), through its Division of Plant Industry; the Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research; the Australian Tropical Herbarium, James Cook University. Retrieved 16 Mar 2013.

• Shepherd, R.C.H. (2004). Pretty but Poisonous. Australia: R.G. and F.J. Richardson. p. 202. ISBN 0-9587439-9-1.